PASSION
EXPRESS
70-year-old Valley Heights resident Roslyn Reynolds will open up
her humble back shed to the public this weekend, unveiling a model
train wonderland for fellow railway enthusiasts to marvel at. Mrs
Reynolds’ lifelong passion for all things trains began when she was
just a little child and continues to this very day.
Erin Mamo reports on Page 7

Expressions of Interest
DIRECTOR
Blue Mountains
Economic Enterprise
2 positions available
Expressions of Interest are invited from suitably
qualified individuals for the voluntary position of
Director, Blue Mountains Economic Enterprise
(BMEE).
BMEE is the peak regional economic
development organisation for the Blue
Mountains. BMEE’s mission is to stimulate
economic development in the Blue Mountains
through advocacy, investment and industry
development, consistent with our competitive
advantages.
Nominees will be required to demonstrate their
experience and understanding of:
1. Corporate / Board Governance
2. Economic development
3. Financial management
Expressions of interest (EOIs) should be limited
to a maximum of 3 pages, outlining your
relevant experience and expertise and how it
relates to BMEE’s objectives.
An EOI kit is available by contacting admin@
bmee.org.au
Expressions of interest should be addressed to
Chairman, Selection Committee marked “Board
Nominations” and be submitted by 5.00pm
Monday 18 September to hr@bmee.org.au
Shortlisted nominees will be invited to attend an
interview. The new Board appointments will
take effect from the next Annual General
Meeting to be held in November 2017 and will
be for an initial 3 year term.
For further information:
Bernie Fehon
CEO
Blue Mountains Economic Enterprise
02 4782 6555
bernie@bmee.org.au

On The Record

Troy Dodds
troy.dodds@bluemountainsrecord.com.au

@troydodds

Has the AFL already won the war?
emember when AFL was just
some weird thing they played
down in Melbourne that resembled aerial ping pong?
Oh, how we laughed.
When the Sydney Swans arrived on the
scene in the early 1980s and the AFL was
determined to become a truly national
game, we continued to chuckle.
The Swans struggled for survival during
the dark times of the late 1980s and early
1990s, almost wiped off the map financially and struggling to get any serious
recognition in what was a rugby league
city through and through.
On the back of Tony Lockett’s arrival
in 1995, the Swans finally started to
make some ground, helped out by rugby
league’s bitter Super League war, and
have never really looked back.
Almost without the NRL noticing, the
Swans would go on to capture a piece of
Sydney’s heart and importantly, discretionary spending.
A couple of premierships, consistent
success and high profile signings ensured
the Swans became a permanent part of
the sporting landscape in the Harbour
city, albeit the poorer cousin to rugby
league for much of that time.
While rugby league continued to
fumble about, remaining Sydney-centric
and watching attempts to expand into
markets such as Perth, southern Queensland and Adelaide fail, the AFL quietly
went about their business.
While continuing to build on its success
in Melbourne, the code’s careful planning
would eventually see each major city in
Australia represented by two clubs.
Head office knew that meant local
derbies, and as soccer has also proven,

R

“They want our kids,
which is why they
put so much focus on
school visits”

derbies are the key to grabbing publicity
and interest from people whose sporting
eyeballs are usually focused elsewhere.
The introduction of the Gold Coast
Suns ensured a Queensland derby, while
the GWS Giants’ debut in 2012 was the
ultimate chess move. No longer scared
by rugby league’s dominance, the AFL
declared Sydney was its to own.
And to be honest, it was the equivalent
of moving an entire football team into
the city via a wooden horse.
Rugby league was arrogant, and either
didn’t care or didn’t notice what the AFL
was doing.
Fans and officials laughed again, just
like they did back in the early 1980s.
A few lone voices warned of what
was to come, including Panthers boss
Phil Gould who on countless times has
preached to the NRL about the threat the
AFL provides. They either don’t listen, or
don’t have a clue what to do about it.

We’ve seen in recent years, and in
particular recent months, that the NRL is
a shambles at head office.
The Commission, which was once
considered the giant hope of the game,
has been a giant failure.
The AFL, meanwhile, continue with
their invasion.
The GWS Giants have finished this year
in the top four and are a realistic hope
at winning the premiership. They are
continuing to slowly build a fan base. The
AFL doesn’t care how long it takes.
The AFL doesn’t even care if you or I
become a Giants or Swans fans.
They want our kids, which is why they
put so much focus on school visits.
Anyone who thinks the AFL’s invasion
is not a reality is kidding themselves.
Rugby league crowds this year in
Sydney were hugely concerning, and
I can’t count how many times I was
embarrassed watching games on TV with
thousands of empty seats at ANZ or Allianz Stadiums. I assure you that the much
talked about upgrades won’t change a
thing in terms of crowd numbers.
We’ll bring out plenty of excuses,
of course, headed up by the fact that
Sydney has nine clubs versus just two
Sydney teams in the AFL. Fine, but five
of them couldn’t even manage to attract
a crowd that rivalled one of the AFL sides
in some weekends during the year.
The NRL has plenty on its plate at the
moment, including a bitter dispute with
clubs and players. The biggest threat to
rugby league may well be from within
given the shambles at headquarters, but
a close second is very much the AFL.
The AFL is not just winning the war,
they may have already won it.

Advertising:
sales@bluemountainsrecord.com.au
Editorial:
news@bluemountainsrecord.com.au
Published by:
Western Sydney Publishing Group

Local apprenticeship numbers falling
Labor says drop in enrolments and high course fees must be addressed for sake of students’ future
EMILY NEWTON

ith one third fewer apprenticeships in the Blue Mountains this
year, Labor is fighting to support
skilled work for young Australians.
Labor Senator and Shadow Minister for
Skills and Apprenticeships, Doug Cameron
attended the Western Sydney Apprenticeship and Traineeship Expo at Penrith
Panthers last week, calling for more to be
done to address falling apprenticeship and
TAFE numbers.
“Forums like this are absolutely essential so that young people understand that
going to a vocational education system
can give you good jobs, high skills and
good pay,” Mr Cameron said.
“I’ve had no tertiary education, I’m a
fitter by trade, and I’ve ended up in the
Senate, so it can open up opportunities for
you. It opens up Australia and it opens up
the world.”
A part of National Skills Week, Mr
Cameron was joined by Federal Member
for Macquarie Susan Templeman, Federal
Member for Lindsay Emma Husar and
State Member for Londonderry Prue Car.
The cost of going to TAFE has “exponentially risen”, Ms Car said.

W

“The NSW Government have increased
the pressure on TAFE to deliver similar
products on less money, so as a result of
that, fees across the state as an average
have risen by about 22 per cent,” she
added.
“For a basic Certificate III or Certificate
IV at TAFE in NSW, in most trades, you’re
looking at $4,000 to $5,000. Four or five
years ago, that was somewhere in the
order of $500.”
Ms Templeman says it’s vital that local
institutions including the Wentworth
Falls TAFE is maintained, as recent
conversations she has had with students
about their future reveals their anxiety.
“What we risk having is a generation
who has actually lost hope that they can
afford skills because of the extra cost they
see,” she said.
“To see one in three less people skilling
up to become an apprentice is just a huge
blow.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills
John Barilaro also attended the Expo at
Panthers.
“A recent Skilling Australia report
showed Vocational Education and Training is actually a more certain pathway to
employment than university and offers
better prospects for higher pay,” he said.

the blue mountains record » Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Education

Labor MPs Emma Husar, Prue Car and Susan Templeman joined Senator Doug Cameron at the Western Sydney Apprenticeship and Traineeship Expo to talk about their
commitment to rebuilding TAFE. Photo: Melinda Jane

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In addition to our high visibility bulk
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the Blue Mountains Record is also
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The newspaper is totally recyclable.
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We want to
hear your local
stories!
The Blue Mountains Record is dedicated to providing local residents in the
Blue Mountains with an array of news
and information.
Our best source is you!
We’d love to hear from you if you’ve
got a story of a great local achievement,
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lue Mountains Cultural Centre will
receive over $100,000 in funding to
upgrade their audio-visual technology and improve the quality of art exhibits
and sound and film installations.
Minister for Racing Paul Toole visited
the Cultural Centre recently to make the
funding announcement, which will see
the local landmark receive new LED lighting, projectors, speakers and screening
equipment.
Mr Toole said the funding will allow the
centre to expand its programming and
provide enhanced artistic experiences for
over 100,000 visitors each year.
“I congratulate Blue Mountains City
Council for their successful application
which will mean a great local community
asset becomes even better,” he said.
The centre is the most visited cultural
institution in the Blue Mountains, and has
been used by more than 200 community
organisations since it opened in 2012.
Director of the Blue Mountains Cultural
Centre, Paul Brinkman, said the grant
funding would enable the Cultural Centre
to go from strength to strength.
“It will greatly enhance our audio-visual

B

the blue mountains record » Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Arts

NSW Minister for Racing Paul Toole visited the Blue Mountains Cultural Centre to announce a successful funding grant
capabilities and the audience experience, which is particularly special as we
celebrate our fifth birthday,” he said.
The upgrades will be funded from the
Government’s
Infrastructure Grants
supported by the ClubGrants Category 3
program.
ClubGrants is a scheme where local RSL
and sporting clubs can voluntarily donate
funding to community groups, charities

and sporting teams across NSW.
Approximately 500 clubs voluntarily
allocate funds to the ClubGrants scheme.
Mr Toole said that more than $50 million
in ClubGrants funding is being provided in
the current term of government for local
community infrastructure projects across
arts and culture, sport and recreation and
emergency preparedness.
“These grants are funded through a

rebate on the state’s registered clubs’
gaming machines to reinvest profits back
into community projects,” he said.
The latest round of arts and culture
infrastructure funding has seen 13 projects
across NSW chosen from more than 90
applicants.
The Cultural Centre has obtained three
different grants this year, bringing their
total amount of grant funding to $200,000.

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Next stop: Passion
Train enthusiast to open up huge exhibit for locals
ERIN MAMO

alley Heights resident Roslyn
Reynolds is opening up her home
this weekend to fellow train and
railway enthusiasts.
The 70-year-old, who has always had a
passion for trains, currently houses a 30 x
50 feet model railway which she built with
her late husband, Keith, in her back shed.
“When we first moved to Valley Heights
in 1999 we built the shed for this exact
purpose,” Mrs Reynolds told the Record.
“We then spent the next four years,
almost every weekend, building the
railway track and the little towns that
surround it.”
This weekend visitors can view the
unique exhibit, simply by gold coin donation.
Many of the tiny towns Mr and Mrs
Reynolds have built have some meaning
or significance behind them.
“I was born in Lismore and grew up in
St Marys, and then spent a few years in St
Clair,” Mrs Reynolds said.
“So they are each in there as I remember
them.”
A mini Valley Heights station also makes
up part of the exhibit, displaying what it

V

looked like back in 1955.
There’s also a Newcastle station, a South
Creek station which was originally what St
Marys station was called, and a Kentucky
Fried Chicken in almost every town.
Mrs Reynolds said she’s had a strong
interest in trains since a young age.
“I grew up in St Marys near the train line
and I used to climb my back fence and sit
on my neighbour’s porch watching the
steam trains roll through,” she said.
Many moons later, Mrs Reynolds met Mr
Reynolds at a Model Railway Club meeting
in Blacktown.
The two then spent a lot of their time
volunteering at Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum, establishing
and then maintaining the gardens.
It wasn’t until Mr Reynolds passed away
from cancer in 2009 that his wife decided
to showcase the one kilometre train track
and 90 miniature trains in her shed.
Now the retiree said she enjoys sharing
her passion with the community and raising money for local hospital chaplaincies.
Over the years Mrs Reynolds has raised
around $2,700, which has been donated to
various hospitals.
Locals can visit the exhibition this Saturday, September 9 from 1pm to 4.30pm at
39 Green Parade, Valley Heights.

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Parliament sits again this week, and
no doubt the issue of citizenship – and
why members of the National Party and
others who appear to be in breach of the
Constitution are still voting on legislation – will be front and centre.
However, while the drama of Question
Time will likely dominate the news
coverage, there will be other things
happening that you don’t get to see.
I’ve previously written about the
public hearings that take place for each
Standing Committee, and the policy
discussions that take place within the
Labor Party caucus committees.
There are also the private meetings and
the more public events.
Having all of us in one place is a magnet
for advocacy groups, who head to
Canberra to see as many MPs as possible
in one go, to raise awareness about their
issues.
In recent weeks I have met with a wide
range of people including rail industry
workers urging a more unified approach
to rail manufacturing, a non-profit group
wanting to change the focus of family
law to consider the impact on children
more, a representative of a multinational
firm to discuss legislation to reduce slav-

16-17 September
The following Brigades are parƟcipaƟng:
• Blackheath/Mt Victoria
• Blaxland

ery, and even Get-Up, to talk about their
members’ main issues. And there are
always people and organisations who
want to share insights into particular
medical conditions or have suggestions
on the role Government can play.
The ABC also recently came to the
Capital to showcase its stars, including
Bananas in Pyjamas and the Play School
characters.
Every day of the sitting week there
are briefings, breakfasts and functions
where you invariably learn something
you didn’t know.
This week my calendar shows the
chance to attend, among other things, a
briefing on coral bleaching on the Great
Barrier Reef, a celebration of Girl Guides,
a roundtable on Aged Care and a briefing
on human trafficking.
Whether I am able to attend all these
events will also depend on when
speeches are scheduled in either the
main Chamber of the House of Representatives or the Federation Chamber.
And if local schools are visiting Parliament, they are my priority too.
So, while there might be a shot of me
on the nightly news, it’s barely a glimpse
into what really happens in Parliament.

Old Farts recruitment drive begins
Fellas, it’s time to get off the couch and join the new Blue Mountains branch of the Touring Old Farts
ERIN MAMO

he Old Farts are touring in a bid to
recruit new members.
An organisation with an unusual
name, the Touring Old Farts (TOFS) is
calling on retired and semi-retired men in
the Blue Mountains to join them for social
activities and outings.
Founder John Wareham said the group
began informally when a few friends
living on the Central Coast started a series
of regular outings to places that they were
interested in.
“We started the group because we
figured a lot of guys are happy to sit at
home and watch TV once they retire and
we wanted to encourage them to get out,”
he said.
“TOFS is affordable and interesting and
we have a lot of fun together and learn a
little more about life, our surrounds and
each other.”
Now 10 years in, the Old Farts want to
form a group in the Blue Mountains.
“We’ve already got about 15 men from
places like Springwood, Blaxland and
Blackheath who join us on days out that
we do locally and around the state,” Mr
Wareham said.

T

The Touring Old Farts at Victoria Barracks
“I believe if we had a local group set up,
those who are already members would be
more inclined to take part in events more
frequently and others would sign up.”
In the Mountains, the retirees have
visited places like the Lithgow Small Arms
Factory, the Model Railway in Valley
Heights and walked along the Charles
Darwin track at Wentworth Falls.
TOFS already has six groups in NSW set

dear record...

up in places like Sutherland, Ku-ring-gai
and Forster with over 200 men from
different professions and walks of life
taking part in monthly activities.
Mr Wareham said most partners approve
of the organisation and even get a chance
to be involved.
“Once a year we have a partner’s day
where the wives can come along and see
what it’s all about,” he said.

Religion and marriage

Protecting kids from abuse

So, the media reports that polls claim
that religious Australians support
same-sex marriage, all I have to say is this,
religious folks might, but Christians do
not. Indeed I’ve got some real bad news
for anyone who claims to be a Christian
and supports same-sex marriage, that
news is this; you are not a Christian.
RICHARD MERRELL, VIA EMAIL

National Child Protection Week runs
from September 3-9. In this week we take
the time to reflect on child protection
issues and promote the wellbeing of
our young people. I am asking for a
world without child abuse, and we can
only achieve that though creating safe
environments for our kids. Reports of
child abuse are overwhelming and give
witness to the lack of accountability for
adults who abuse young people. Sadly,
some communities are looking the other
way, ignoring the abuse of children
because this is the easiest option. People
don’t want to get involved in notifying
assaults on our young people because
of the fear of the consequences from the
perpetrators. Nothing is more important
than protecting our vulnerable children
from abuse and neglect. Child abuse goes
beyond the tears and pain experienced
in childhood. Victims endure a lifetime
of psychological and emotional distress,
they often become drug users to kill the
pain of abuse, attempt suicide, selfmutilate and have major trust issues. We,
as a society, must ensure that we provide
our children with a safe and supportive
environment, so that they have the
opportunity to reach their full potential.
We as a community need to listen to what
is happening to our young people.
FATHER CHRIS RILEY, CEO AND
FOUNDER AT YOUTH OFF THE STREETS

I can’t agree with Peter Stapleton,
that there is a war on – a one-sided
conversation maybe but not armed
conflict. I can’t recall same-sex marriage
as an issue in the last Council elections.
On what basis does Council claim to
represent ratepayers by only presenting
the Yes case? Neither have I noticed any
features in the Blue Mountains Record on
couples quietly and happily living out a
long term opposite sex marriage. Shortly
there will be a meeting of young people
in the Lower Blue Mountains to consider
the pros and cons of a Yes or a No vote
in the planned plebiscite. Would you be
able to find time to cover that meeting?
What about a piece on a local community
leader who knows that it is OK to vote
No? It will be great to have a constructive
conversation, not a monologue, on this
important issue.
COLIN DUBI,
VIA EMAIL

The Blue Mountains Record reserves the right to edit letters for the sake of accuracy and space.
For more information, see our public notices section.

“A lot of husbands and wives have struck
up friendships with other couples from
this event and socialise outside of TOFS
events too.”
An inaugural meeting will now be held
at Penrith RSL this Friday, September 8
from 10.30am, and TOFS are encouraging
mature aged local men to come down and
see what the group is all about.
For more information, visit sites.google.
com/site/touringoldfartsinc/home.

Reading the paper not enough? Listen to ‘The Week’ on Vintage FM
every Saturday morning from 8am. Download the podcast from
9am at www.westernweekender.com.au or subscribe on iTunes.

prize cupboard

G
MICHAEL
HOFFMAN
Blackheath
FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IN
THE BLUE MOUNTAINS: Flemish
Flavours
FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A
COFFEE IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS:
At home
FAVOURITE PLACE TO HAVE A
DRINK IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS:
Around a fire
THE FIRST PLACE YOU’D TAKE A
VISITOR TO THE MOUNTAINS: Now
that’d be a secret
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT
THE MOUNTAINS: The bush/people
WHAT IS THE MOUNTAINS’ BEST
KEPT SECRET: It wouldn’t be secret
anymore if I told you

et ready sports fans because the Westfield
Matildas are bringing international football to
Pepper Stadium.
In one of the biggest coups in local sporting
history, the Australian women’s football team
will go head to head with Brazil to settle the score on a
fierce rivalry that is sure to produce a thrilling afternoon of
football action.
After a crushing 6-1 win against Brazil at the Tournament
of Nations, the Westfield Matildas are gearing up for what
is set to be an exciting rematch as they battle it out to retain
football glory.
Get your tickets now at www.matildas.footballaustralia.
com.au to catch the Westfield Matildas as they take on the
might of Brazil.
The Record has two family passes (two adults and two
children) to give away to the Westfield Matildas vs Brazil
match at Pepper Stadium on Saturday, September 16. For
your chance to win one, email the code word ‘MATILDAS’
to
competitions@bluemountainsrecord.com.au
with
your name and contact details. Entries close Thursday,
September 7. Authorised under NSW Permit Number
LTPM/17/01416. Terms and conditions at www.bluemountainsrecord.com.au or Record reception.

Congratulations to former Blaxland High
School student and Olympic paddler
Jessica Fox for a terrific effort on ‘Hell’s
Kitchen’. Jess was eliminated last week
but certainly did the local area proud.

It’s quite disappointing that restaurants
in the Mountains still don’t have high
chairs these days. A local mum with kids
experienced this unfortunate scenario in
Glenbrook last week.

Dose of
Dorin

TAKE A NUMBER

80
The Aussie “no worries”
attitude is being challenged
with new research from the
Financial Planning Association revealing 80 per cent of
working-age Australians are
stressed about money and
finances, with one in four
indicating acute stress levels.
Generations X and Y are most
stressed about their finances,
with at least one in three
claiming they are extremely
or very stressed about it.
Women are much more likely
than men to feel extremely or
very stressed.

10

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the blue mountains record » Tuesday, September 5, 2017

ENTERTAINMENT

KEEPING BLUE MOUNTAINS RESIDENTS INFORMED ON WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO

Max is leaving
the building

A
KATE REID

fter 30 years and
a staggering 30
Australian tours,
Elvis tribute artist
Max Pellicano is
hanging up his
blue suede shoes
– when it comes to

Australia at least.
The performer of the hit show Elvis to
the Max is heading Down Under for the
final time this month for ‘Thank You Very
Much: The Farewell Tour’.
Part of the reason for the farewell is to

allow Max time to focus on one of his
other passions: acting.
“I’ve never had a chance to really work
on my acting, so that’s one of the reasons
why I did it because when I go on tour I’m
gone for two to three months at a time,”
Max said.
“The travelling now as I get a little older,
it really wears on you and it takes a longer
time to recuperate,” he laughed.
Along with the acting there’s also two
little, but very important, reasons to
spend more time at his home in the US.
“I’ve got two little baby grandkids right
now, so I really want to spend time with
them too,” Max said.
While the farewell is a sad time for Max,

it’s no doubt just as heartbreaking for his
Australian fans, who over the years have
offered the sort of reception that would
rival that of ‘The King’ himself.
“My first Australian tour I played at the
Hotel Adelaide for eight weeks straight,
six nights a week,” Max said.
“We were sold-out every single night, I
had never seen a turn out like that.”
It was then that Max’s love affair with
Australia began, leading him to become
one of the most frequent international
visitors to our shores.
In a fitting tribute to those early years,
Max has promised his Australian fans a
return to where it all began.
“I’ve made so many friends in Australia,

and I’ve got a big Elvis following, so I told
everybody I’m going to do the same type
of show that I did the first time I came to
Australia,” he said.
It’s those people that Max said he will
miss the most when the touring ends.
“The country is wonderful but it’s really
about the people. I’ve made so many
lasting relationships over there, so that’s
what I’m going to miss,” he said.
“And maybe Vegemite,” he said, before
a moment of contemplation.
“Nah, I hate it,” he laughed.
Elvis to the Max will be on at Rooty
Hill RSL on Friday, September 15 at 8pm.
Tickets start at $59. To purchase tickets,
visit www.rootyhillrsl.com.au.

Discover and haggle for a bargain this weekend!
Hunt for a hidden gem at the Penrith District Swap Meet this Sunday, September 10 on the corner of Senta and Londonderry roads in Londonderry. Along with a chance to check out the rare classic car museum, visitors will also be able to pick up car parts, antiques, tools, memorabilia,
workshop manuals, arts and crafts and much more! Guests can keep themselves well fed with tasty treats from the cafe. General admission is only
$2, so if you’re a swap meet enthusiast you won’t want to miss this one.

Sudoku
Fill in all squares so each row,
column and each of the nine
3 x 3 squares contain all digits
from one to nine.

Last week’s Sudoku solution

14

life

THE BLUE MOUNTAINS’ BEST
LINE-UP OF LIFESTYLE EXPERTS

ARIES

MARCH 21 TO APRIL 20

your horoscopes

Rams can be a selfish lot, as you become
self-absorbed with your moods, dreams
and daily dramas. But, with the Full
Moon and Neptune highlighting your
humanitarian side, it’s a wonderful week
to re-connect with others, roll up your
sleeves, and help those around you. Your
ruler Mars moves into earthy Virgo which
will help to stabilise your fiery Aries
energy. So it’s a terrific time to take a bold
idea and turn it into a practical project.

TAURUS

APRIL 21 TO MAY 21

If you expect a domestic matter to
proceed at a cracking pace then you’ll be
disappointed. Everything will take longer
than expected, as retro Mercury muddles
proceedings and the Full Moon provides
distracting detours along the way. And
have you drawn up a wish list of your
goals for the future? Remember – you
can’t hit a target if you haven’t got one!
Use your earthy energy in practical ways.

After three long weeks, thank goodness
Mercury finally goes direct on Tuesday.
Communication, conversation, business,
education and travel should all gradually
improve as the week progresses. But
nebulous Neptune and the Full Moon
could still throw some confusion into the
mix! Especially involving work and/or
family matters. So think before you speak
and if you find yourself compelled to
spread secrets, just zip it and say nothing!

CANCER

JUNE 22 TO JULY 22

With retrograde Mercury, nebulous
Neptune and a loopy Full Moon, things
won’t run smoothly early in the week.
Especially involving communication,
education, travel and/or social media. If
you adapt to changing circumstances,
and accept mistakes and misunderstandings with good grace, then you’ll manage
just fine. Beyonce: “If everything was
perfect, you would never learn or grow”.

LOCAL • PROFESSIONAL
SAFE • RELIABLE

JULY 23 TO AUGUST 23

Self-delusion is a danger early in the
week. Plus be very clear in the way you
explain things to other people, otherwise
you’re likely to get your wires crossed
and your true meaning will be scrambled.
Then Mercury goes direct, so communication should start to improve from
Wednesday onwards. Saturday is your
number one day of the week. The powerful Sun/Pluto trine boosts your charisma
and heightens your creativeness.

VIRGO

AUGUST 24 TO SEPTEMBER 23

This week’s stars highlight your helpful
nature and your strong desire to be of
service to others. But do other people
actually require your assistance? With
Mars moving into your sign, be careful
you’re not just being a bossy meddler. If
you are too quick to critique others, then
you could find yourself with a fractious
friend, a cranky colleague or a livid lover
on your hands.

LIBRA

SEPTEMBER 24 TO OCTOBER 23

Have you been burning the midnight oil
and now you’re suffering from burnout?
Or have you been running around on
auto-pilot, making unusually careless
mistakes? With the Sun and Mars both
hibernating in your solitude zone it’s the
perfect week to go AWOL as you slip into
hermit mode, down-size your social life,
or organise a digital detox. Spending quality time on your own (for some overdue R
& R) is absolutely essential at the moment.

SCORPIO

OCTOBER 24 TO NOVEMBER 22

Early in the week Neptune, retrograde
Mercury and the Full Moon all shine a
bright spotlight on how well you communicate with others. Especially a child,
teenager, lover or friend. If you don’t take
the time to really listen to what they are
saying, then you’ll get your wires crossed.
Saturday’s Sun/Pluto trine provides a
golden opportunity for you to influence
people in a powerful and positive fashion.

SAGITTARIUS

NOVEMBER 23 TO DECEMBER 21

A close friend or family member is
looking to you for sensitive emotional
support, inspirational ideas or personal
encouragement. Not criticism or tactless
comments. So slip on your compassionate
hat and adjust your approach accordingly.
Mighty Mars charges through your career
zone. So it’s time to stop procrastinating
and instead, be professionally bold and
proactive. As the week progresses, the
early bird gets the work worm!

CAPRICORN

DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 20

Avoid being a gullible Goat early in the
week, when Mercury is still retrograde
and someone may try to pull the wool
over your eyes. Stay alert. Aim to channel
Wednesday’s Full Moon energy into
friendships, community projects or
humanitarian pursuits. But the more you
dig your heels in and refuse to budge, the
more frustrating the weekend will be. So
strive to be flexible!

AQUARIUS

JANUARY 21 TO FEBRUARY 19

This week Neptune and the Full Moon
scramble your financial antennae. So it’s
not a good time to borrow funds, invest,
go on a shopping spree or lend money to
others, as you’re liable to make financial
decisions based on your emotions.
Saturday brings some welcome stability,
when the Sun/Pluto trine ignites your
intuition and activates your inner voice,
and you come up with the solution to a
stubborn problem.

PISCES

FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 20

The planets confuse love and communication, so be careful you’re not viewing
people through rose-coloured glasses.
Creative inspiration and intuitive insights
are highlighted, but don’t get so carried
away that you head into the realm of pure
fantasy. When it comes to a major goal,
are you and your partner are on the same
page? If you’re single, can you differentiate a dream date from a dud?

W E’l l
M a k e it

HAPPEN
W E’l l

www.dixonscranes.com.au

WW26590

CALL PHIL: 0413 577 817

LEO

the blue mountains record » Tuesday, September 5, 2017

your

15

Tuesday, September 5, 2017 « the blue mountains record

your

food

Hidden salt lurking in our
everyday supermarket items
While salt isn’t public
enemy number one, we
do need to be careful
of how much we’re
consuming in our diet...

Kate Reid
Nutritionist
kate.reid@
westernweekender.com.au
@kate_reid6

By now most of us know about the link
between high salt diets and increased
risk of heart disease.
But did you also know that many seemingly healthy packaged foods can be
packed full of salt?
The Heart Foundation, in conjunction
with VicHealth, recently launched the
‘Unpack the Salt’ campaign to draw
awareness to the staggering amount of
hidden salt in common packaged foods.
While it’s true that we need a certain
amount of salt for the body to function,
we can generally reach this target simply
from fresh foods like fruit and vegetables.
But in reality we all consume packaged
goods, which means that even if you
skip salt at the dinner table you could
unknowingly be having too much salt in
your diet.
Some of the biggest culprits include
cooking sauces, breads, ready meals,
processed meats, dressings, condiments,
dips and crackers, cheese and baked
goods.
This doesn’t mean those foods have to
be off the menu, but it pays to be smart

when it comes time to head down the
supermarket aisles.
The Heart Foundation recommends a
maximum salt intake for healthy adults
of 5g (approximately one teaspoon and
equivalent to 2000mg of sodium).
To achieve this there’s a few simple
changes you can make.
Of course, eating as much fresh produce
as possible is a great place to start, but if
you do buy packaged vegetables aim for
frozen over tinned as tinned options are
packaged in salt and water – often known
as brine.
If you do choose tinned products, be
sure to drain and rinse them to remove
any excess salt.

When you’re doing the shopping it also
pays to read the label.
Keep an eye out for no salt or low salt
varieties. If there’s no mention on the
label then the Unpack the Salt campaign
recommends checking the nutrition
panel for sodium and trying to avoid
products with more than 400mg of
sodium per 100g.
When it comes time to sit down to your
meal, skip the salt shaker and try seasoning with fresh herbs or pepper instead.
Salt is not the enemy, but as with
anything nutrition related it pays to be
informed so you can achieve a healthy
balance.
Happy eating!

keep reminding myself that these are a pair of white
wines I shouldn’t be reviewing. Sauvignon blanc
and pinot grigio … call it pinot gris, call it whatever
you like … are normally two of my least favourite grape
varieties.
I usually regard the varieties as weeds. As blots on the
viticultural landscape. As wines taking up bottleshop
and wine list space that should rightly be the preserve
of royalty such as chardonnay, riesling and semillon.
Yet I find myself inexorably drawn to these two wines
from Angullong, whose vineyards are perched on the
edge of Mount Cabobolas, on the outskirts of Orange,
in the Central West of NSW.
They’re wines that are fresh, aromatic and true to
variety. They’re wines ideally suited to our lifestyle as
the weather begins to warm up. So I will review them,
and I will recommend them in the strongest of terms.
Damn the torpedos, as Tom Petty, one of the finest
rock performers would sing, damn the torpedos.
Visit www.angullong.com.au.
WINE REVIEWS
Angullong 2017 Pinot Grigio ($20): A vibrant, crisp
dry white in the true Italian grigio style but with ample
palate flavour for its price tag.
WINE OF THE WEEK
Tim Adams 2015 The Aberfeldy Shiraz ($65): The
Aberfeldy has long been one of my favourite reds.
Much of the input comes from low-yielding, 100-yearold Clare Valley vines and it shows in the intensity
of flavour that Tim regularly achieves. Its dark berry
flavours and soft fullness make it a natural with most
hearty meat dishes.

JOHN ROZENTALS

Auction Saturday
Sep 30 on site at 11am
unless sold beforehand

4

2

2

Open for Inspection:
Saturday, Sep 9 @ 11am-12pm

House
OF THE
week

the blue mountains record » Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Blue Mountains
Property

23 Clare Crescent,
Oakville

CLARE HOUSE, CIRCA 1828
“Clare House”, a truly historical home of
great Australian significance.
Only 8 owners in almost 200 years.
Situated on over 2.5 all arable acres with
views over the valley through to the Blue
Mountains.
“Clare House” is constructed of original
full convict brick, there are period features

throughout, multiple living and formal
rooms, huge kitchen area and a selfcontained flat or great home office.
With an elegant front entry, including
fully filtered fish pond, circular stone
driveway, landscaped gardens and an
amazing bluestone wrap around verandah.

Most rooms offer original working fire
places or combustion heaters and air
conditioners.
Once used as the “Wandin Valley Hospital” in “A Country Practice” this home is
truly one of a kind.
Clare House is perfect for the equine
lovers amongst us.

Contact:

Hamish Rogers
0418 966 224
Hamish Rogers Realty

*Terms & Conditions Apply.

Beat the banks with a better deal

If you switch today, you could save over $30,000 on your home loan.
Speak to us for a better deal today.

Thinking of a pool?
Call us to start planning your Leisure Lifestyle now!

Call 1300-SPLASH
(1300 775 274) or visit

www.leisurepools.com.au

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T R E E V I E W E S TAT E S

Final opportunity.
LAST
STAGE
RELEASED
OCT 12
Don’t miss your chance to be part of unparalleled retirement living at Treeview Estates. The last
and ﬁnal stage of Treeview Estates will be released on the 12th of October and you don’t want
to miss out. Located on the western edge of the stunning Blue Mountains, Treeview Estates has
a wonderful community of like-minded people. Prices start from just $459,000. Only a limited
number of beautiful, spacious villas left. So be quick and register now for our exclusive priority list.

GET YOUR BUSINESS NOTICED
Reach your customers through the power of your
local newspaper.
Local people make up to 90% of your customers.
Classified advertising is the most cost effective
way to reach them. Like to know more...

Call Harold today for a
free quote on
Prompt, professional, good
old-fashioned service

PEST MANAGEMENT SERVICES

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Vodafone plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility at Pumping
Station, Glenmore Parkway, Glenmore Park 2745, and 6-7 John Morphett Place,
Erskine Park 2759
1. The proposed works include removing existing panel antennas and replacing
them with new panel antennas, the upgrade of ancillary infrastructure, including
mast head amplifiers, cabling, motors and feeders.
2. Vodafone regards the proposed installation as Low Impact in accordance with
the Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 1997 based on the
description above.
3. Further information can be obtained from Jodie Leeds, (02) 9300 1700, jodiel@
cpsglobal.com, and at www.rfnsa.com.au, RFNSA reference number 2745003,
2759001.
4. Written submissions should be sent to: Vodafone c/o CPS Global, Level 5, 55 Grafton
Street, Bondi Junction, New South Wales, 2022 by 5pm on 10 September 2017.

HANDY PERSON
/CARPENTER

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PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE
MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT
GLENMORE PARK AND ERSKINE PARK

t’s not everyday a 17-year-old gets to travel to the other side of the world to play
the sport he loves. But for Blaxland High
School student Mason Ingram, this will be
his reality come January next year.
The talented teenager has been selected to
represent Australia during the upcoming Under 20’s Schoolboys Tour in England.
Mason, who has been playing soccer since he
was in Kindergarten, said it’s a proud moment
for both he and his family.
“Both my parents and I were born in England,
so it’s great to be going back,” he said.
Mason made the Australian squad after playing for NSW in the recent National Schools
Football Championships.
His team was undefeated in the round robin
competition, conceding just one goal.
Now the Australian Schoolboys team will
spend three weeks abroad battling teams from
all over Europe and the United Kingdom.
Blaxland High teacher and Sydney West Football Club coach, Peter Henderson, said players
can expect to eat, sleep and breathe the game
during the time they are away.
“They will play about six games while they
are in England,” he said.
17-year-old soccer sensation Mason Ingram has been selected to represent Australia